Crews in Santa Clarita battle third-alarm fire impacting several businesses

Fire Devastates Old Town Newhall

A three-alarm fire tore through Old Town Newhall in Santa Clarita early Monday morning, destroying The Newhall Refinery restaurant and spreading to The Main theater and other nearby businesses, according to the Santa Clarita Valley Signal. The fire was first reported at 2:54 a.m., and by 5:55 a.m., more than 100 firefighters were battling the still-raging blaze, the outlet reported. The cause had not been announced as of the time of reporting.

Los Angeles County Fire Department crews arrived on the 24000 block of Main Street around 2:55 a.m., finding a one-story commercial building with smoke and fire showing from the roof, CBS News reported. The blaze was quickly upgraded to a third-alarm fire, classified as a major emergency requiring a high level of response. The fire spread from the initial building to other nearby businesses, and aerial footage showed heavy smoke coming from several structures.

Street Closures and Community Response

In response to the fire, the City of Santa Clarita advised residents to avoid the area. According to a post on the city's Facebook page, Main Street, Sixth Street, Eighth Street, Railroad Avenue, and Newhall Avenue were all closed, and drivers were urged to use alternate routes. The Santa Clarita Valley Signal noted that the fire continued to burn more than three hours after it was first reported, with more than 100 firefighters on scene at 5:55 a.m.

Both CBS News and the Santa Clarita Valley Signal reported that there were no reports of any injuries as of about 6:30 a.m., though the situation was described as a developing news story by the Signal.

Perspectives

• Santa Clarita Valley Signal: Emphasizes the destruction of The Newhall Refinery and the transfer to The Main theater and other businesses, highlighting the city's advice to avoid the area and the ongoing nature of the fire.
• CBS News: Focuses on the firefighting response, describing the arrival of crews, the type of commercial building, and the third-alarm designation, while also noting street closures and no injuries.